Gaggia 14101 Classic Review – Simple Yet Effective

by | Feb 7, 2018

There are a few coffee machines which are as easily recognizable as the Gaggia 14101 Classic. The history of this machine dates back a few decades ago, although the reviewed model here is the newest version of it. It is better in some ways, and slightly worse in others, but overall it’s a great improvement by an even greater company.

Gaggia Classic Review

The Gaggia Classic espresso machine has so much experience behind it that it makes all the other reviewed units look like up and coming youngsters. It can handle huge volumes of work and produces one of the best cups of espresso you can get. That, in our opinion, is the basic blueprint for a successful small coffee shop. 

The portafilter has a commercial design, with the exception of it being extra wide (around 2.3 inches). That allows the water to be evenly distributed over a wider surface area, thus producing a richer taste. Its handle is made of high-quality plastic too. The chrome-plated brass filter holder maintains the heat stable during the whole brewing process.

 

Gaggia 14101 Classic 

Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing. Brews for Both Single and Double Shots.
825 Reviews
Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing. Brews for Both Single and Double Shots.
  • Rugged brushed stainless steel housing
  • Commercial three-way solenoid valve
  • Commercial-style 58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter and Brew Group
  • Easy-to-use Turbo-Frother steam wand attachment
  • Easy-to-use Turbo-Frother steam wand attachment

The group is made out of chrome-plated marine brass. This gives you overall better brewing conditions via its incredible heat stability. The material is also very long-lasting. Using quality materials was one of the very reasons why the old model could outlast a whole generation of baristas.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the boiler of the Gaggia Classic, though. The system is very unique and is constructed of a highly conductive aluminum, packing two separate heating elements.

Now, in all honesty, aluminum isn’t great, as we pointed out in our Buyer’s Guide, but it has excellent heat properties, which represents the core-values of Gaggia, and that is proper heat control.

Another great thing about the heating system is that it has the highest possible wattage combined with a relatively small boiler (around 3.5 ounces). That generates great heat control and quick heating up.

Since this machine doesn’t have a built-in tamper you can go ahead and add one to your purchase, as it will come in handy.

 

Gaggia Classic Brewing Quality & Performance

The most recognizable feature of the Gaggia Classic is the retro-styled rocker arm switches. They control the power, the steam and the pump. There is also a built-in light on the power and pump buttons. They all work pretty fast. Pressing the middle steam switch heats up the boiler to heat temperature in a matter of a few moments.

To brew your espresso, just press the right (pump) button and it will initiate the espresso-making process. There is another light which shows you when the boiler has reached its operating temperature.

In terms of the actual temperature, you aren’t in control as much as you are in some other espresso machines, such as the La Pavoni PA-1200 Napolitana, but Gaggia believes that they have got the right one for you and fixed it there.

 

Pros & Cons

What we really like

✔ Great value

✔ Classic, easily recognizable design

✔ Can handle high espresso output

✔ Sturdy construction built with quality materials

✔ Dead-simple to use

✔ Practical size

✔ Ideal for small coffee shops

✔ Makes the perfect cup of espresso

What we don't like

✗ Kind of inflexible

✗ The Pannarello steam wand (which you can replace if its too much of a downside)

Baristas are divided into two camps when it comes to the Pannarello wand, used for steaming and frothing. All in all, we think it’s up to the personal preference of a person whether he likes it or not.

 

Gaggia 14101 Alternatives

We compared and reviewed 5 commercial espresso machines and analyzed the differences. People who are looking for the best performance usually choose the Rancilio Silvia or the Breville BES920XL. Those machines have a reasonable price tag, they are a bit bigger than the Gaggia machine though. 

If you are on limited budget and want something even smaller, you can go check out the Delonghi EC685M DEDICA. It does wonders for your home-brewed coffee but fails to deliver when it comes to commercial use (unlike the Gaggia Classic).

La Pavoni PA-1200 Coffee Press, Silver
Best Value
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels, 11.4 by 13.4-Inch
Top Performer
Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
Budget Option
De'Longhi EC685M Dedica Deluxe Automatic Espresso Machine, 1, Metallic
Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing. Brews for Both Single and Double Shots.
Product Name
La Pavoni PA-1200
Rancilio Silvia
Breville BES920XL
Delonghi EC685M
Gaggia Classic
Amazon Rating
Capacity
100 oz
12 oz
84 oz
35 oz
72 oz
Dimensions
12 x 13 x 10 in
9.2 x 11.4 x 13.3 in
14.7 x 14.8 x 14.7 in
13 x 5.9 x 12 in
9.5 x 8 x 14.2 in
Weight
24 lbs
30 lbs
30 lbs
8.8 lbs
20 lbs
Fully Automatic
Prime Benefits
-
-
-
Check on Amazon
Check on Amazon
Check on Amazon
Check on Amazon
Check on Amazon
La Pavoni PA-1200 Coffee Press, Silver
Product Name
La Pavoni PA-1200
Amazon Rating
Capacity
100 oz
Dimensions
12 x 13 x 10 in
Weight
24 lbs
Fully Automatic
Prime Benefits
-
Check on Amazon
Best Value
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels, 11.4 by 13.4-Inch
Product Name
Rancilio Silvia
Amazon Rating
Capacity
12 oz
Dimensions
9.2 x 11.4 x 13.3 in
Weight
30 lbs
Fully Automatic
Prime Benefits
-
Check on Amazon
Top Performer
Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
Product Name
Breville BES920XL
Amazon Rating
Capacity
84 oz
Dimensions
14.7 x 14.8 x 14.7 in
Weight
30 lbs
Fully Automatic
Prime Benefits
Check on Amazon
Budget Option
De'Longhi EC685M Dedica Deluxe Automatic Espresso Machine, 1, Metallic
Product Name
Delonghi EC685M
Amazon Rating
Capacity
35 oz
Dimensions
13 x 5.9 x 12 in
Weight
8.8 lbs
Fully Automatic
Prime Benefits
Check on Amazon
Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing. Brews for Both Single and Double Shots.
Product Name
Gaggia Classic
Amazon Rating
Capacity
72 oz
Dimensions
9.5 x 8 x 14.2 in
Weight
20 lbs
Fully Automatic
Prime Benefits
-
Check on Amazon

 

Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine Conclusion and Rating

If you are planning on opening a small coffee shop, or simply want a user-friendly espresso machine at your house, which will brew the perfect cup every time you turn it on, and won’t require much maintenance, the Gaggia Classic is ideal for you.

It comes at an affordable price and doesn’t have a huge body which eats up on your kitchen space. We gave this product a four out of five stars.

 

Gaggia 14101 Classic 

Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing. Brews for Both Single and Double Shots.
825 Reviews
Gaggia 14101 Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker. Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Frothing. Brews for Both Single and Double Shots.
  • Rugged brushed stainless steel housing
  • Commercial three-way solenoid valve
  • Commercial-style 58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter and Brew Group
  • Easy-to-use Turbo-Frother steam wand attachment
  • Easy-to-use Turbo-Frother steam wand attachment

  Last update on 2022-08-18 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

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